The city of Morro Bay has declared a local emergency after the first case of coronavirus is diagnosed in San Luis Obispo County.
The city of Morro Bay says it has canceled all large public gathering events through the end of March 2020 and is reviewing all public events currently scheduled for the month of April and will provide an update on the status of those events on Monday, March 16.
The local emergency declaration will allow cities to access state and federal funds related to the pandemic should they be made available and activate emergency plans to be prepared for any further developments.
There are no confirmed cases in Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo at this time.
In a press release, the city of Morro Bay says it will continue to provide the following essential services:
• Police, Fire and emergency medical response, • water and wastewater (there will be no water shutoffs during the next several weeks) • trash services, • essential services to vulnerable populations (food distribution to seniors)
The City will close the Morro Bay Community Center and cancel all recreation classes and senior activities, with the exception of food services for seniors. Other City facilities may also be closed beginning the week of March 16. The City will provide an update regarding the provision of other City services as well as the schedule for upcoming City Council and City advisory board/commission meetings on Monday, March 16.
Community Resources Available:
There has been an amazing outpouring of generosity from the community to step up and support each other during this challenging and fluid situation. Below is a non-exhaustive list of essential services being provided by other agencies in Morro Bay:
• Free meals for children aged 0-18 will be made available at Del Mar Elementary during the school closure • The Community Center will continue to provide meals for seniors for pick-up or delivery (schedule to be determined and updated on Monday, March 16) • Morro Bay Chamber is providing supportive resources to local businesses • The City is working with community and volunteer groups to coordinate provision of additional essential services for those in need (details to come the week of March 16) • This list will be expanded on Monday, March 16
For San Luis Obispo County residents with questions, the county is asking you to visit ReadySLO.org for the latest public health updates and recommendations or call the Public Health information line at (805) 788-2903.
Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe and include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
Everyone should take simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses including COVID-19: Remaining calm, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
